The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office

by Amanda Weinberg, Silvia Mazzola

Italy, 1943. Ambra and Nina have been friends since they were children, their bond fixed by a friendship pact made in the shadow of a shared tragedy. But when war comes to the small Italian village where they live, loyalties are tested, friendships stretched to breaking point.

For Nina, whose brother is part of a secret anti-fascist cell, the choice to fight is easy. For Ambra, who longs to escape her father's post office and covets the luxurious lifestyle of the Sansones, a prominent fascist family, things are not so black and white.

In a world where everyone is keeping secrets and where information is currency, the two friends must be careful who they trust. When childhood friend Nicolò, the Sansones' only son, asks one of them for help, the consequences could tear their friendship apart forever...

An unforgettable story, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Soraya M. Lane, and Kate Quinn.

Genres: Historical Fiction

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

Reviews

[Cindy Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This WWII novel is the story of the friendship of two young women and the story of their small village in Italy. The book is narrated interchangeably by each young woman, Ambra and Nina, and also by the post office itself, a device that actually works well.

Ambra and Nina make a friendship pact when they are 12 and then 6 years later, Italy is at war on the side of the Axis. Nina's mother works for a prominent fascist family with a summer villa in the town, but Nina and her brother sympathize with the anti-fascist cause. Ambra is the daughter of the postmaster and dreams of leaving the town and being able to afford luxuries. The war takes each woman in opposite directions, which impacts their friendship, especially after Nina becomes involved with the son of the town's prominent family.

I've read a lot of WWII era fiction, but this is the first book I've read set in Italy. There's a lot of historical detail I hadn't known before. All in all, it's a very good book, well researched and somewhat engaging in the second half. I'm rating the book 4 instead of 5 because I felt like it dragged in parts, especially in the first half.

I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This impressive novel takes place in Italy during the background of the second World War. It's impressive because the emotions some of these characters give off about the war are very believable. They were tired of the fascism that Mussolini was displaying in the country. Overall I am a sucker for a good war two novel so I was not disappointed.
Two important characters in the story are two very close friends Ambra and Nina who have been friends their whole lives. However, the war has brought on so many differences that these two girls could end up jeopardizing their friendship over a difference of opinion. Can they work out their problems or will it end up being the end for them.
As mentioned before this novel was indeed impressive. It goes to show that even today we still have these problems but knowing that if we can take the time to resolve them then we can accomplish just about anything.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Kerrie Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Italy 1943 Ambraand Nina have been friends since they were children their bond fixed by a friendship pack made in the shadow of the shed tragedy but when wall comes to the small Italian village where they live loyalties are tested friendship stretch to breaking point
For Nina whose brother is part of the anti-fascist cell the choice to fight is easy for Amber who belongs to escape her father‘s post office and Cove a luxurious lifestyle of the Sun zones a prominent fascist family things are not so black-and-white
In a world where everyone is keeping secrets and information is currency the two friends must be careful who they trust when childhood friend Nikola the Samson only son asks one of them for help the consequences could tear their friendship apart forever

In this story, we follow both Nina and Ambra as they navigate moving from childhood to teenage hood to adulthood or the war is raging on tearing their small village apart

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the retailing of this story the narrator didn’ta fantastic job of telling both sides helping you to feel close to both characters. I highly recommend this story.

Thanks, to NetGalley, for the opportunity to listen to this title, I am keen to explore more from this author

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of WWII, "The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office" is a poignant exploration of friendship, betrayal, and loyalty. The novel follows two young girls in a small Italian town, each with different dreams, as they navigate the dangers posed by fascism and political strife.

The story unfolds at a gripping pace, filled with unexpected twists that highlight the importance of standing up for truth and justice. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this remarkable novel inspired by true events.

[Teresa Auch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down this amazing read. It is a tale of almost every human experience you can think of: friendship, secrecy, sorrow, grief, love, jealousy, greed, loyalty, betrayal reconciliation, and hope.

The backdrop is Fascist Italy. The plot explores the lifelong friendship of Nina and Ambra and some of the colorful characters of their fictional hometown of Bastiani and how they survive Mussolini’s Fascist regime. Ambra works at the Post Office which her father oversees, and her role there puts her in a position to obtain information about people in the village and the surrounding area. Ambra longs for a glamorous and sophisticated life anywhere outside of Bastiani and will do anything to achieve her goal. In direct contrast, Nina seeks a way to aid the underground resistance (along with other villagers) and to smuggle food and uncensored letters to the internees in the local internment camps. Ambra discovers that Nina has been aiding the internees and, feeling betrayed that she was not included in the plan, uses the information to benefit herself.

Interspersed throughout the book the Post Office weighs in with its observations written in very thoughtful, heartfelt and descriptive prose. The friends’ paths collide when Nina discovers that Ambra has betrayed her, but they ultimately reconcile when they join forces to expose an injustice committed by the Allied forces.

This is an incredible novel that will grab you from Page 1 and will cause great angst when you are finished. Indeed, I was sorry to see it end. Give this a read but be forewarned...you will not be able to put it down.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio edition of The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office by Amanda Weinberg and Silvia Mazzola. The narrator, Victoria Fox, was absolutely amazing, providing differing voices for all the characters, both old and young, male and female, while also using Italian and German accents when appropriate and even a Canadian accent near the end of the story.

I really enjoy historical fiction books set in WWII and this one was unique in that it focuses on what happened in a small Italian village instead of the usual English, German, or French perspectives. It focuses on the lives of three young friends, Ambra, Nina, and Nicolo. When a relationship develops between Nina and Nicolo, Ambra immediately does some vindictive things out of jealousy that seems out of character for someone who's been best friends with the someone for over a decade. I understand being hurt, but she went over the top in several instances. Once I got past not liking Ambra's character at all, I enjoyed listening to what the anti-fascists did in their efforts to help their own citizens survive such a terrible ordeal, especially as it involved what happened inside the local post office.

I think my biggest issue with this story is that it is told through different points of view that change abruptly from first person to third person. In truth, I'm not sure who was the first person's voice (perhaps the post office itself)? Nevertheless, if you would like a different take on a WWII story, especially one involving a small Italian village, you should give The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office a try.

[Silver Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up.

This is an emotional piece of historical fiction set in a small village in south-east Italy during the fascist regime of WW2.
The story revolves around 2 women who have been best friends since childhood but whose loyalties to each other are tested when each makes different choices towards and against the fascist regime. Nina and Ambra were both really interesting characters with excellent character development. I really felt for Nina and how she followed her heart and really enjoyed her romance with Nicolo. I liked how Ambra had shades of morally grey to her character and admired how tenacious & ambitious she was to make a new life for herself.
I also really liked that some chapters were told from the Post office! As a literary device it worked really well as a sort of a stop marker throughout the story.
The authors really brought small village Italy to life with evocative descriptions and a wide range of additional characters. I’ve never read any WW2 fiction set in Italy and learned so much about the horrific experiences of civilians, the interned prisoners and the resistance groups. I thought this micro-history style was perfect for giving the reader an insight into what Italians experienced during the war.

The story and plot were excellent and very dramatic but some of the dialogue and internal thoughts of the women were heavy on the melodrama for me with lots of things over explained-often things were told not shown which took away the subtlety.

Overall, a good WW2 story of love, heroism and survival. If you like Kate Quinn you’ll enjoy this.

[Stefani Higdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a rollercoaster. The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office centers on two childhood friends—Nina and Ambra—whose lives diverge dramatically in a small Italian village during WWII. Nina is a principled, anti-fascist young woman, secretly in love with Nicolo, the seemingly pro-fascist son of a powerful family. Ambra, on the other hand, is petty, jealous, and eager to climb the social ladder—even if it means cozying up to German officers and trading secrets for lipstick.

The book adds in giving the post office itself a narrative voice… and I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of that. Giving objects human feelings is just not for me, and those chapters felt weird and unnecessary.

SPOILERS AHEAD
That said, the story picks up with lots of twists: Nicolo is actually secretly working against the fascists, helping Nina smuggle food and uncensored letters into internment camps. Meanwhile, Ambra is betraying them, intercepting Nicolo’s letters and handing them off to his controlling mother. Her jealousy reaches an all-time high, but after witnessing horrific violence—including the public hanging of a local cheesemaker—Ambra finally has a change of heart.

Nina ends up arrested while pregnant, gives birth, and flees to a mountain village. Ambra follows her and ends up being captured herself. Eventually, Nina discovers the hidden letters Nicolo wrote to her—ones Ambra kept from her—and confronts her. Despite everything, they find a fragile way back to each other.

The story wraps up with Nina reuniting with Nicolo in a hospital, and Ambra marrying someone else and moving to Montreal where she eventually marries again, finally for love. Together, they publish their story—Nina as the journalist, Ambra as the photographer—and manage to remain friends, complicated as it is.

This book has plenty of drama, betrayal, and shifting loyalties. While I personally couldn’t get into the personified post office (seriously, why), the emotional and historical weight of the story—and the 5-star love it’s getting from others—make it worth the read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on Italy during Hitler’s invasion… and how things changed there.

Two childhood friends, Nina and Ambra, grow up and spread their wings during this time. One loses her Mom, the other her Dad… and this brings them even closer as they bond during these difficult times. And as the awe draws closer and closer to them, secrets are kept. Vows are made. And people change… sometimes not for the better…

While one of them is working to try to make things better for everyone around them, the other decides that she’ll be spending time with soldiers from the other side in order to get stockings or lipstick or whatever they can give her to make her life better. 😫

When things start to get really bad, their friendship really starts to unravel.

It’s sad to read about all the awful things that happened during these years, but it’s also very enlightening to see how different countries, towns, people were affected.

4 big, scary, sad 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

#TheLostSecretsOfTheItalianPostOffice by @AmandaWeinberg and @SilviaMazzola and narrated nicely by @VictoriaFox.

*** THIS ONE HAS ALREADY BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BonnierUKAudio and #EmblaBooks for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this brilliant new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow best friends Ambra and Nina as they negotiate the war in Italy in 1943 with the resistance, the Allies, and the Nazis all fighting for control of the country. When war finally arrives in their town, Nina chooses to fight with an anti-fascist cell like her brother, but Ambra wants to live the luxurious life of the Sansones, a prominent local fascist family, and escape her father’s post office. As the two girls start keeping secrets from each other and information becomes more valuable than ever, they must trust carefully and prepare for the consequences of helping Nicolo, the Sansones’ only son. Packed with detail and alternating between Ambra and Nina’s perspectives, readers will love the high stakes and emotional storyline in this detailed and immersive new novel. The characters are well-written and complex as the stars of the book, and the changing relationship between Nina and Ambra is particularly interesting to follow. The historical setting and contextual information really adds a lot of depth and detail to the novel that readers will really enjoy, and Weinberg and Mazzola have combined forces to create a fascinatingly detailed and complex historical setting that readers will love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for the advance copy.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 single, linear timeline
👀 multi POV. 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "For every loss, there is survival. For every ending, a beginning."

Books set during world war two are my absolute favourite books to read, and yet I've read very few set in Italy during this period, so I was really intrigued as to how different it would be to my usual books set in the German Reich.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, I actually forgot whilst reading that it was written by two authors, their styles blended so seamlessly that I couldn't tell which bit was by whom. I thought the use of the post office as a narrator was
really unusual, it added an extra dimension to the story that I really enjoyed. I also liked how
each of the post office chapters ended by telling us not only the date, but also which saint or feast day it was in the Christian calender. That added a real sense of believability for me.

The story itself, whilst fiction, had some basis in fact and some characters were based on real people. Ambra in particular really captured how easily swayed young people can be, often making decisions for selfish reasons rather than looking at the bigger picture. It was also about the strength of a friendship and the things that could both bring people together and also tear them apart.

Overall this was a enjoyable read and I'll definitely look out for more by these authors.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping war story set in the beauty of a small Italian village. This is great story of love, loss, and strength during one of the World's most horrific wars.

Nina and Ambra are young when they forge a friendship due to loss. As war tears apart their small town, their relationship is put to the test in ways they never imagined. I fell in love with the characters in this book. Even though, I didn't like Ambra much in the beginning, she grew on me as I began to understand her character and the reason's why she has the personality she does. The author did a great job showing the community and togetherness that a small town usually shares. I learned things about Italy and WWII that I did not know and I love that about historical fiction. The book was a bit slow to start but once you get invested in the story between these two friends and their small village, you don't want to put it down.

If you like WWII novels and friendship stories that are unique, I highly suggest you pick up a copy of this book.

I received an e-book advancced copy from Netgalley for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

[Heather Bivona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office was both gripping and sobering. It’s a beautifully told story set in a dark time, but what makes it so powerful is how much it reflects the reality of human nature and history. The characters are nuanced, and the plot draws you in, but underneath it all is a deeper message that lingers long after the final page.

One of the most striking themes is how mass injustices are so often carried out in the name of the “greater good”—and then quietly buried. It’s heartbreaking to think how frequently this happens, not just in war, but in everyday systems. People may know what’s right, may even feel it in their gut, but selfishness, fear, and a thirst for power often win out. And worse, these wrongs go uncorrected. To this day, nothing has been done to rectify what happened in the story—just as so many real-world atrocities remain unacknowledged or unresolved.

This book made me wonder how future generations will look back at the battles we're fighting today. What truths are being ignored? What stories are being silenced? It’s not just a compelling historical novel—it’s a mirror, and a reminder.

[Elana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows three childhood friends thrown into war-torn Italy. The friends loyalties are tested with the war, and long standing familial beliefs. Ambre, the daughter of the postmaster, longs for a more glamorous life. Her best friend, Nina, wants to fight the fascist regime however she can. When Nicolo, another childhood friends, asks Nina for help and to keep a secret, a rift between friends starts to grow. Can the friends survive secrets and betrayal while also trying to survive a country at war? Told through multiple POVs, including a unique POV of the post office building, this story will keep readers engaged. The narrator, Victoria Fox l, is extremely talented and I often forgot that this was not a dual narration. Her different voices were distinguishable and easy to identify who was talking. I did have to listen to this one a little slower than normal, because some characters had heavy accents, which added to the authenticity of the story.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and captivating story set in a small village in southeastern Italy during World War II. Nina and Ambra, two best friends with very different personalities, face the circumstances of war in contrasting ways. Nina, with her selfless spirit, risks everything to help prisoners of war, while Ambra is driven by a certain egocentrism and selfishness.

The story comes to life through the post office building, which becomes a silent witness to the atrocities and crimes the village endured during that dark time. The narration is so masterfully crafted that it feels as though you are watching every scene unfold on a movie screen.

Thank you to Embla Books, Amanda Weinberg, Silvia Mazzola and NetGalley for the ARC

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I feel the book fell short. It was slow until about halfway through, and I found certain parts unnecessary as they did not add depth to the story. Set in a small village, I enjoyed reading about the friendships and perspectives within the close-knit community. The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office based on true events, is filled with emotions such as jealousy, betrayal, strength, and hope. I did find learning more about fascism interesting. For me, an avid reader of WW2 novels it didn't hit the mark. 3 stars

I would like to thank the author, Embla Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLostSecretsoftheItalianPostOffice #NetGalley

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing an e-ARL of this title.

Historical fiction books set in WWII are hit or miss for me, but I was hopeful for this one due to the title and that it is set in Italy, which is a nice change. But this one fell short for me a bit. I felt like it was a slow story and lots of unnecessary filler parts that didn't really add to the overall story.
As this is based on true events, I could feel the emotion from the details. The history lesson about fascism was an interesting addition.

This is told through multiple POVs, including the POV of the post office building. Narrator did a great job of giving different voices, including accents for some of the characters.

3 stars

[Sarah-Louise Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Secrets Of The Italian Post Office by Amanda Weinberg and Silvia Mazzola. Narrated by Victoria Fox.

I love historical fiction, war stories etc… and this did not disappoint. It was inspired by true events. The narrator Victoria Fox done a great job narrating various characters, in Italian voices. Ambra’s voice was so annoying that it suited her character and made me dislike her even more lol. Great story, I can’t imagine how it would have been to live through those times in WW2, under the reign of fascist Benito Mussolini. I liked Nina’s character a lot and the risks she took to help those in the camps. 4 stars

[Laura J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! When reading the novel I was reminded of De Berniere's Captain Corellis Mandolin. It is how the style of the two authors use vivid colourful emotive language within a well-paced story that bring the landscape and characters to life. The events that unfold brought tears to my eyes and reunions warmed my heart. I gasped at the betrayals and terrors. And prayed for reclamation for the village and Italy.

The gem of it? The personification of the Post Office. The writer in me adored it had its own chapters, adding a textural and creative depth to the wider narrative. It helps keep the pace light considering the darkness of what occurs.

Well done Silvia and Amanda!

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only yesterday I said that historical fiction wasn’t a favourite genre for me, but honestly I feel like I need to revise that opinion. The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office is a wonderful book. Poignant, emotive and oh so very unique. The writing is classy and the story itself is told in such a special way, and examines friendship being tested under the shadow of war. I loved the main characters and their relationship. Some delicate topics, handled sensitively, with care and based on true events too which always adds an extra layer of nuance for me. A really enjoyable, thoughtful read. Get yourself a copy. You won’t be disappointed.

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an audiobook arc of this book and frankly was not able to get into it because of the accent (appropriate for the context of the book), that was more personal preference.

I also did not like Ambra. I understand people behaving they way she did if they were being highly impacted by the war. But she had a good home, nice friends and still ended up like a selfish brat.
Nicolo and Nina were good together and brave and it was nice to see that they got their happy ending.

I liked the setting, the pacing was okay. Overall this is not the best WWII movie, I have read.

#TheLostSecretsoftheItalianPostOffice #NetGalley

[Ashli Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A layered, emotional story of friendship, betrayal, and impossible choices in wartime Italy.

This novel beautifully captures the tension of divided loyalties in a village where survival means secrecy. Ambra and Nina’s friendship is the heart of the story — complicated, raw, and deeply human. As war creeps closer, every decision they make carries weight, especially when love and loyalty collide.

Though it starts a bit slow, once the stakes rise, I couldn’t put it down. A strong, atmospheric read for fans of Kate Quinn and historical fiction with moral complexity.

[Francesca Rosado · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous epic sweeping novel set during Italy in WW2. Despite this being my favourite period of history, I don't know much about the movement in Italy. I liked learning about the lives of ordinary Italians dealing with fascism, the threat of the Germans, then the arrival of the American allies and wondering whether they could be trusted. I didn't like the chapters written from the point of view of the post office, I found the change of narrator and tense very jarring and unnecessary, though I enjoyed the multiple narratives/narrators of the two leading ladies.

[Wenona · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office By Amanda Weinberg and Silvia Mazzola - this was a first by this author for me and over all a good read.

The story takes you to 1943 Italy as war comes closer to two childhood friends, Ambra and Nina. As "life", secrets, and loyalties are tested, can their friendship last?

I listened to this in audio and did find it a little confusing to follow as the story changes with different points of view - if you are a fan of this era, I'd go for the print version with this read.

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get a digital and an audio ARC.
An amazing tale that’s set in Italy during World War Two by three friends that tests their friendship, trust and love. It was captivating and an emotionally tragic story, and at the same time an inspiring historical book.
Highly recommend this book. I loved and enjoyed reading this story. Another sad but informative book.
The narrator did an excellent job in reading the book.

With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Bonnier UK Audio and Embla Books

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspired by true events of world war 2 set in Italy. 2 best friends find themselves at different points in their lives one is envious of the other and wants more from life rather than just the post office on different sides of the war.

One is helping interned women by bringing them food and letters, the other is in a relationship with a German for what she can get. He gives her a camera this changes everything for her. Their friendships are tested and their friendship endures.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my normal genre, but I really enjoyed it. I love unique stories, even if a bit confusing at first, and the perspective of the post office was definitely unique. Thanks, NetGalley!

[Nicole Tatro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my—how can I possibly capture the depth and beauty of this novel? Perhaps I’m biased, being a female Italian American with a passion for historical fiction, but this story completely consumed me. It stirred every emotion and turned me inside out. The coming-of-age journeys of Nina and Ambra echoed my own, especially the twists and turns of friendship that reminded me of my bond with my best friend, Heather. The falling in love, the secret ambitions—we’ve all been there. And now, with the current political climate in America, I couldn’t help but see the parallels to the inner turmoil Italy once faced. This novel hit so close to home. I didn’t want it to end—and really, what higher praise is there than that?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable WWII taking place in Italy. A strong friendship between Ambra and Nina, who go through many obstacles to remain friends. I loved it!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually read a few books each year that take place during World War II and this sounded interesting since it takes place in Italy. Ambra and Nina's stories held my attention and it really made me think about those who lived through the war in that area. They are best friends but end up being so different from one another. One does all she can to help with the war efforts and the other seems to be only concerned about what she can get for herself. This story is told by their viewpoints along with the Post Office itself which was unique.

I listened to the audio book and enjoyed it quite a lot. I did have a hard time with the Italian accent at times. I had to slow the speed down to make sure I didn't miss anything. But all in all, The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office is well worth the read!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 30 June 2025